Staffed by kind and knowledgable baristas serving up great local coffee (Dark Horse Coffee Roasters and James Coffee Co.) and vegan treats, with outdoor seating and windows that fill the small space with lots of light, it’s a great place to spend a workday afternoon.

Creative coffee drinks plus a good assortment of snacks, including pastries from local Bake Sale Bakery, have made this relatively new coffee house an instant hit.

A specialty coffee house right across from the downtown library, Bean Bar serves 49th Parallel coffee on espresso, pour-over, cold-brew, and drip along with a great selection of pastries; besides their indoor seating, there's a dog-friendly patio.

Banana Dang serves up expertly brewed coffee and espresso along with a wide variety of smoothies. With a bright and open feel, the cafe hosts rotating shows by local artists.

The newly opened adjacent Fault Line Park makes this combination bar, restaurant, and coffee house an even bigger draw. Halcyon offers a rotating selection of quality roasted coffee from around the U.S.

Filter is a popular 24 hour coffee house serving tea, blended drinks and a small selection of bottled craft beer. The Hillcrest cafe has an abundance of chargers, indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a substantial sandwich menu.

With newer outposts in Little Italy and North Park, the original Golden Hill location of this popular coffee house remains a favorite for its spacious size and relaxed friendly service. Fuel yourself with a sandwich or salad and save room for a red velvet cupcake.

Open 24 hours, this University Heights cafe with a classic ‘90s coffee house feel has carved out a niche as a late-night work spot as well as a venue for music acts, open mic nights, and comedy shows.